What now for Jackson?

Last updated at 07:05 14 June 2005

He arrived at court a shell of his former self. Exhausted, frail, apprehensive, he listened as verdict after verdict cleared him of wrongdoing.

But there was little sign of celebration for Michael Jackson. A hug for his family, some tears and then he left the courtroom, blowing a kiss to his fans before climbing into a black people-carrier for the trip back to his ranch, Neverland.

Although the trial was over, for Jackson the pain is likely to linger a long time.

The most intimate details of his life were laid bare to the world - the pornography, the drinking, the people who share his bed and those who don't, including his wife.

Huge questions over future

There are huge questions surrounding his finances and the star's future is, at best, uncertain.

But for his fans, all such details seemed unimportant as they celebrated around the world.

Outside the court, they had cheered loudly as each of the ten "not guilty" verdicts was read out. Waving banners, many hugged each other and threw confetti.

One released a white dove as every decision was announced.

In the hot Californian sun, medics revived one devotee who collapsed on the pavement, overcome by the heat and the excitement.

There were fans from many countries. Londoner Anika Kotecha, who had kept a vigil outside the courtroom for four months, said the media owed her idol an apology.

She added: "No one can argue with the outcome - we have all said it for the past 12 years. Jordy Chandler, you're a liar. Gavin Arvizo, you're a disgusting liar. They have tried to manipulate him."

Psychic Uri Geller, one of Jackson's close friends, said: "I cannot believe it. I'm just so pleased I'm lost for words. I'm trembling.

"This is so important. He did not let down his fans and all the people that love him."

Debbie Rowe, Jackson's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, said: "I would never have married a paedophile. And the system works."

In Sweden, Kent Vilhemsson returned home from the US, where he had spent two weeks outside the court.

"The minutes before the verdict were the most nervous moments of my life. Now, these are the happiest moments of my life," said the 21-year-old.

Liam Cassidy, spokesman for a British Michael Jackson fan club, said he was "ecstatic" at the verdict. He added: "This is a vindication for Michael and for the fans who have stood by him. It's amazing."

In the Middle East, Arab news channels cut to live footage as Jackson arrived for the verdict, the headlines there the same as in Britain and the rest of the world: Jackson cleared.